Dream Rodrygo alternative: Man City chasing “generational” £87m sensation
It might well be the case that Manchester City look to reinforce in attack over the January transfer window. It was not really an area of focus for the East Mancunian side over the summer transfer window, with Rayan Cherki the only attacking player joining the club.
They’ve added to their attacking depth over the last few transfer windows, bringing the likes of Savinho and Omar Marmoush to the club.
However, they have played just 644 minutes combined in the Premier League, and it seems Pep Guardiola is still looking to add to the depth in forward areas.
Thus, the Citizens have been linked with some big-name attackers.
City’s latest transfer target
It seems like City aren’t afraid to splash the cash as they look to improve the quality of their attack.
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One player who has been linked is Real Madrid star Rodrygo, with Guardiola’s side reportedly considering a £70m move for the Brazilian.
However, another player the Citizens are linked with is RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande. According to a report from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, City are said to be one of the clubs that have the Ivorian winger ‘in their sights’ ahead of a potential transfer.
Yet, this deal will be neither cheap nor straightforward. Several of City’s Premier League rivals are keen on the 19-year-old, including Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, with other clubs not named.
The fee will be astronomical, too. Leipzig are reportedly set to ask for upwards of £87m, and hold strong negotiating power because there is no release clause in his contract.
Why Diomande would be a good signing
If City were to pay the fee for Diomande, there is certainly evidence to suggest it would be a good piece of business and would strengthen out wide.
Despite being just 19 years of age, the winger is already a “defender’s nightmare” according to football scout Antonio Mango, having also been described as a “generational” talent by journalist Bence Bocsak.
It has been a really strong start to the season for the Ivorain winger. He’s shone for Leipzig, making 11 appearances across all competitions and racking up 11 goals and assists in that time. That includes six goals and three assists in 14 games in the Bundesliga.
One of the benefits of Diomande’s game is the fact that he can play on either flank. It is no secret that Guardiola likes the versatility in his attackers, and that is something the Leipzig number 49 would be able to offer the Catalan coach
Signing Diomande could be a brilliant alternative to Rodrygo for City.
Of course, the Los Blancos winger is one of the most reputable in the world, with over 100 goals and assists in less than 300 games for the Spanish giants.
He ended his 32-game goalless run against the Citizens in the Champions League last week, showing how deadly he can be at his very best.
After the game, Guardiola said he told Rodrygo himself “how good he is” and described him as “a player from another level.”
Naturally, that fuelled conversion surrounding a City move for the Brazilian. However, if that doesn’t materialise, signing Diomande could be an apt alternative.
He is equally as effective when it comes to chance creation and is arguably even more direct.
Indeed, that is something backed up by the numbers on FBref, where the two players are similar. This season, the Ivorian has completed 4.24 successful take-ons and played 1.41 key passes on average per 90 minutes.
In comparison, Rodrygo only averages 2.56 take-ons and plays 1.4 key passes each game.
Key passes
1.41
1.4
Progressive passes
4.04
3.26
Goal-creating actions
0.81
0.23
Take-ons completed
4.24
2.56
Ball recoveries
5.76
4.42
No matter who City sign, they are going to have to pay a large fee, such is the nature of the market and the fact that selling teams can demand a large fee. Yet, £87m may be seen as a real investment for Diomande.
He is a quick, direct winger who loves to take defenders on one-vs-one. It will encourage City that he already has impressive final third output, too.
At just 19 years of age, he is an investment for the present and future.
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